Payback“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves but rather give place to wrath [of God], for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19). Forgiving someone doesn’t mean that you must be a doormat or a Persian rug to their continual sin. It’s OK to forgive another’s past sins and, at the same time, take a stand against future sins. Forgiveness does not demand revenge or repayment for offenses suffered. “I’m supposed to let them off the hook?” you may argue. Yes, you let them off your hook, realizing that they are not off God’s hook. God will get you your Payback, not your attorney or Mel Gibson. The person who offended you will most surely reap what they sow and your pain and suffering will pale in comparision to the bitter harvest they will reap for hurting you. You may feel like exacting justice, but you are not an impartial judge. God is the Supreme Court Judge who will make everything right in His time and in His way. Your job is to extend the mercy of forgiveness and leave Judgment Day to God, not The Terminator. Forgiveness is agreeing to live with the consequences of another person’s sin. Suppose that someone you know well says, “I have gossiped about you, will you forgive me?” You can’t retract gossip any easier than you can make Robert Blake plead guilty. You’re going to live with the gossip this person spread about you no matter how you respond to the gossiper. It’s not just All About Eve, for we are all living with the consequences of another person’s sin – Adam’s. Don’t be Unforgiven like Clint Eastwood. The only real choice we have in the matter is to live in the bondage of bitterness or in the freedom of forgiveness. Heavenly Father, I give up my right to seek revenge or harbor resentment like Ben Affleck and Samuel Jackson in Changing Lanes. I want to enjoy the grace and freedom that comes from forgiving others and I declare that vengeance is yours, not mine. Copyright © 2002 Eddy Ministries. All rights reserved. Subscribe/Unsubscribe:
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